Bead Fest Santa Fe March 11, 2009

Bead Fest will be kicking off its first show of the year in the city in which it all started, Santa Fe, New Mexico. It will be held at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza from March 12-15. Bead Fest brings the art of beaded jewelry and bead enthusiasts together from all over the country. The festivities will last four days and offer hands-on jewelry-making classes. There will also be opportunities to purchase unique handmade creations along with supplies to make beautiful one of a kind jewelry.

Be sure to stop by the Meet the Instructors Reception which will be held Thursday, March 12, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Open to the general public, this is an opportunity to come and meet our world famous instructors! See what they are teaching and sign up for classes. Instructors will also be selling kits and their hand crafted jewelry. Admission is free for Bead Fest students with a badge and hand-stamped Bazaar attendees. General reception admission is $5 at the door, which can be applied to the Bazaar entrance fee.

Bead Fest Santa Fe will also be offering two new very exciting events! The Gallery Hop will take place Friday, March 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Downtown Plaza Area. Join downtown galleries and merchants for a bead-filled night. Participating merchants will showcase bead/jewelry artists. This event is free and open to the public. The Wine, Chocolate and Poetry Soiree will take place Saturday, March 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a luxurious post-dinner social with fellow beaders. You’ll sample regional wine and gourmet chocolates and experience the performance poetry of New Mexico poet Judyth Hill. Admission is $20 per person. Don’t miss these special events, with surprises and delights to give you a true Santa Fe experience!

Bead Fest will feature more than 140 booths and 80 classes taught by nationally-acclaimed bead and jewelry instructors. Participants may register in advance or onsite for hands-on classes at all experience levels. Various techniques that will be taught include: bead crocheting, bead stitching, bead stringing, jewelry business, chain maille, clay, design, kiln fusing, lampworking, metal clay, metalsmithing, wire and beads, wire and metal, wire knitting, wire weaving, and wire wrapping.

Official Website: http://www.beadfest.com